Fresh seafood BBQs, beachfront Thai dining, and sunset restaurants - taste paradise on tropical shores
Dining on Koh Samui is all about fresh seafood, beachfront locations, and stunning sunset views. The island offers everything from simple beach BBQs where you select fresh fish, prawns, and squid to be grilled at your table, to sophisticated fine dining restaurants with international chefs.
While prices are 20-30% higher than mainland Thailand due to island logistics, the quality is exceptional and the settings are unbeatable - imagine dining with your toes in the sand as the sun sets over the Gulf of Thailand. Fisherman's Village in Bophut stands out as the island's culinary heart, with its Friday night walking street featuring dozens of food stalls and restaurants.
Koh Samui's seafood restaurants offer the freshest catch displayed on ice - select your fish, prawns, crabs, and lobster, choose your cooking style, and enjoy beachfront dining.
Chaweng Beach - The Kala Resort
฿600-1,500 per person
Dramatic cliffside location with panoramic ocean views. Specializes in fresh seafood and premium grilled meats. Sunset dining with breathtaking views makes it one of Samui's most romantic restaurants. Reservation essential for sunset tables.
Lamai Beach
฿400-800 per person
Authentic Thai-style seafood market where you select fresh seafood from ice displays and choose your cooking style - grilled, steamed, Thai spicy salad, or stir-fried. Popular with locals and expats for fresh, affordable seafood in casual beachfront setting.
Bophut Fisherman's Village
฿500-1,000 per person
Historic fishing village turned dining destination with dozens of seafood restaurants along the waterfront. Best visited during Friday Walking Street when the entire village becomes a food market. Excellent seafood at mid-range prices with charming village atmosphere.
Chaweng - Central
฿150-350 per dish
Authentic Southern Thai cuisine in traditional wooden house setting. Known for rich curry dishes and fresh local ingredients. Popular with Thai families and expats seeking real Southern Thai flavors.
Gaeng Som (Southern sour curry), Kua Kling (dry curry), Fresh turmeric fish
Six Senses Samui - Choeng Mon
฿800-2,000 per person
Dramatic oceanfront dining carved into granite boulders. Modern Thai fusion cuisine with creative presentations. One of Samui's most unique and upscale Thai dining experiences.
Thai tasting menu, Tom Yum foam, Grilled seafood with Thai spices
Bophut
฿120-280 per dish
Traditional Thai restaurant with extensive menu covering all regions of Thailand. Open-air garden setting with traditional Thai architecture. Great for groups wanting to try multiple dishes.
Massaman curry, Pad Thai, Green papaya salad, Fresh spring rolls
Bophut Fisherman's Village
฿200-450 per dish
Contemporary Thai cuisine with Western influences. Stylish setting with excellent cocktail program. Popular brunch spot for expats and visitors.
Thai beef salad, Seafood green curry, Mango sticky rice, Creative cocktails
Kala Resort - Choeng Mon
฿1,500-3,500 per person
Elevated tree house dining with 360-degree ocean views. International and Thai fusion cuisine with creative presentations. One of Samui's most iconic restaurants featuring multiple levels of wooden decks built into the treetops.
Chaweng - Central
฿600-1,200 per person
Authentic Italian cuisine with imported ingredients and Italian chef. Homemade pasta, wood-fired pizza, and excellent wine selection. Long-standing favorite among expats seeking quality Italian food.
Bophut
฿400-900 per person
Contemporary cafe and restaurant focusing on healthy, locally-sourced ingredients. Organic produce, sustainable seafood, and creative presentations. Popular brunch destination and dinner spot.
Chaweng Beach
Iconic beach club and restaurant with daytime dining and evening entertainment. International menu with Thai options, fresh seafood, pizzas, and burgers. Famous for sunset parties and beach atmosphere.
Bophut Beach
Beachfront restaurant and bar with feet-in-sand dining. Extensive menu of Thai and Western food, famous for generous portions and laid-back atmosphere. Live music most evenings.
Lamai Beach
Stylish beach club with infinity pools, day beds, and quality restaurant. Mediterranean and Thai fusion menu. Popular for day pass visitors combining beach club with dining.
Bophut Beach - Zazen Boutique Resort
Romantic beachfront fine dining with Asian fusion cuisine. Beautiful candlelit setting with lanterns and tropical garden. Perfect for special occasions and romantic dinners.